We recognize the veto was the result of challenges associated with the budgetary process. While it presents a temporary setback, it does not change the long-term commitment Iowa is making to improved water quality.

The Governor and legislature have offered strong, bipartisan support of the nutrient reduction strategy while recognizing the importance of private-public partnerships. We know this will continue.

The success of the nutrient reduction strategy is not solely dependent on public funding. Farm families have demonstrated their commitment to enhancing environmental performance by investing their own time and money on better technology and improved soil and water quality management.

Since spring 2013, Iowa farmers have matched nearly $13 million in water quality initiative cost-share funding. Keep in mind this represents just a fraction of the resources allocated via private sources, including significant investments made by Iowa soybean farmers and their soybean checkoff.

Iowa is a recognized leader in science-based methods to proactively address and improve water quality. The Iowa Soybean Association is committed to continuing this progress by: · Working with the Governor and legislature to restore stable, long-term funding for shared public and private partnerships; · Engage with farmers to achieve greater adoption of environmentally sound cropping systems; · Continue to advocate the importance of a process and practices that best meet the unique needs of individual farmers and watersheds.